Codenamed Argon, the KH-5 was a series of reconnaissance satellites produced by the United States from February 1961 to August 1964. The KH-5 operated similarly to the Corona series of satellites, as it ejected a canister of photographic film. At least 12 missions were attempted, but at least 7 resulted in failure. The satellite was manufactured by Lockheed.

Different versions of the satellite varied in mass from 1150 kilograms to 1500 kg. At least one mission deployed a subsatellite . Ground resolution for the satellite was 140 meters, with a swath of 556 km. The onboard camera had a focal length of 76 mm. The purpose of the system, which produced relatively low-resolution images compared to other spy satellites, was to provide imagery for mapmaking purposes. This was one of the tasks that had originally been planned for the Samos series of satellites equipped with the (quickly cancelled) "E-4" cameras.

The satellite was in use during the same short period as the KH-6. It was succeeded by the KH-7.

References

• Mark Wade (August 9, 2003). KH-5. Encyclopedia Astronautica.